"Brimming with creativity and technical ability, Denilson's early games for the Selecao saw him help his side win the 1997 Copa America and Confederations Cup and play in every game of the team's run to the 1998 World Cup final in France. A world record 21.5million transfer from Sao Paulo to Real Betis followed that summer and after a slow start in La Liga, he would eventually find himself back in the international picture by 2001."
"That summer, I went home expecting a quiet holiday out of nowhere though, I was called up for Brazil again for the first time in more than a year, Denilson tells FourFourTwo. I couldn't believe it. Playing in the second tier, the last thing that I expected was a Selecao call-up. But Luiz Felipe Scolari had taken over he phoned me, said he had been watching me and selected me for the 2001 Copa America. That was when the joyful, playful Denilson returned."
"With his tail up again, Denilson kept his place in the national team squad for the following summer's World Cup. The cherry on top came in 2002 the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, he continues. Four years before that, I'd sweated over whether I'd make the final squad. In 2002 I was certain. Older, more mature, more respected. If in 1998 I was still the kid, by 2002 that role belonged to Kaka."
Denilson debuted for Brazil at 19 and contributed to victories in the 1997 Copa America and Confederations Cup, and played throughout the 1998 World Cup run. A world-record transfer to Real Betis followed, and after a slow start in La Liga he returned to international consideration by 2001. Luiz Felipe Scolari recalled him while he played in the second tier, restoring his confidence and place in the squad. Denilson retained his spot for the 2002 World Cup, entering the tournament more mature and respected, with Kaka assuming the youthful role by then.
Read at www.fourfourtwo.com
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